Florida Trespassing Bill Makes Progress

Randall Weiseman Florida, General

The 2007 Florida legislature is considering a bill that would protect landowners from trespassers. Representative Baxter Troutman of Winter Haven says the idea for this bill came from a series of hearings with agricultural producers held last year. Report (1:30 wma)

Young Farmer and Rancher Concerns

Randall Weiseman General

The latest American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher annual survey reveals concerns include land availability, profitability, urbanization and health care costs. Report (1:30 wma)

Food Price Increase Forecast to be Moderate

Randall Weiseman General

Despite higher feed costs for livestock producers and higher energy costs for producers of all food products the outlook for food price hikes this year is not excessive. USDA economist Ephraim Leibtag also says retail competition helps to keep a lid on food prices. Report (1:00 wma) Report (1:00 wma)

Florida Ag Literacy Day

Randall Weiseman Florida, General

A host of volunteers armed with a book about farming will be marching into elementary school classrooms around the state Thursday for Florida Agriculture Literacy day, an event sponsored by Florida Agriculture in the Classroom. Report with FAITC Chairman Cara Martin (1:30 wma) Report with FAITC Director Lisa Gaskalla (1:30 wma)

Wild Chocolates

Randall Weiseman General

Belgium is famous for its chocolates, but when the locals want a treat they go for imported chocolate – from Georgia. Check out the very cool and very wild chocolates from Graffiti Zoo of Conyers on-line. Report (1:00 wma)

Pelosi Promises Disaster Aid

Randall Weiseman General

Nearly four-billion dollars for agriculture disaster assistance will be included in the supplemental spending bill from Congress. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi drew a standing ovation from members of the National Farmers Union meeting in Orlando last week when she announced that Congress would push for the disaster aid. Report (1:30 wma)

Bush Meets with Brazilian President

Randall Weiseman General

President Bush and Brazilian President Lula da Silva met last week and agreed to work together on promotion of biofuels and getting world trade talks back on track. Report (1:30 wma)

New Century Pioneer Farm Families Named

Randall Weiseman Florida, General

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson has announced that the Dwight W. Wilson property in Polk County and Adams Farms, Inc., in Walton County have qualified as Century Pioneer Family Farms. Recognition in this program means the families have maintained continuous ownership of the property for at least 100 years. The Wilson property is currently growing citrus, …